Since the World saw a massive breakout of the novel COVID-19 virus earlier in the year, every business, including car rental companies, has experienced changes in their operations. While many professionals still have to work every day, others are getting used to working from home and keeping in touch with work-related stuff online. With several countries gradually returning to normalcy, many people are quite optimistic about returning to their old routines. Even though Governments have many strategies in place, and people remain positive, daily commuters continue to take all preventive measures seriously. For this reason, many people avoid public transportation or being close to other people. True, the laid down guidelines limit exposure to the virus and ultimately the spread. It is however, safer to drive alone or ride with family than share a ride with strangers. If you don’t own a car, a reasonable means of transporting yourself in these COVID times is a rental car. But you have concerns, and we understand. Therefore, we did our research, and these are some of the things you should know.
Changes in rental services
Opting for rental cars is for you to reduce physical contact with people. Therefore, before you rent a car, look out for these:
- Proper sanitization of the car in question, before and after use. You want to look out for surfaces like the dashboard, steering wheel, doors, seats, seat belts, compartments, and – all surfaces.
- Personnel adherence to strict safety procedures. (Gloves, use of alcohol-based sanitizer, disinfectants, nose masks, etc.) Employees who keep their distance.
- Addition of safety seals on doors and car trunk.
- Touchless rentals.
- Dramatically lower prices.
- Availability of emergency services.
- Rental companies that request for medical certificates or related health documents to prove that the renter is virus-free.
Furthermore, ask questions about the product used, time of disinfection, etc. For reassurance, you may take a closer look at the car. Residue from disinfecting liquid could linger on the vehicle, and you’d see it.
Is it safe to rent a car at the moment?
Although research on the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands are ways to prevent it. While it may be difficult to stay away from moving from one place to another, keeping safe is a constant. The mode of transmission is mostly respiratory, so, as long as you avoid touching open areas of the body, you’re not at potential risk. This is for sure: renting a car and driving it yourself is safer than taking buses or public trains. Before you make any reservations, make sure that the company has new sanitation policies.
How to safely rent a car during the Pandemic?
The wind of change is blowing, and it has touched every sphere of life. Despite the uncertainty hanging in the air, business owners continue to adopt new ways of adding value to clients’ lives. A recent survey shows 84 percent of the car rental firms carrying out specialist sanitation on each of their cars across all locations. Furthermore, 27 percent offer additional Covid-19 protection such as antibacterial gel and wipes or face masks and gloves for customers. At the same time, 12 percent provide them at an extra cost. That means a decent number of car rental firms are presently adhering to safety measures as laid down by WHO and other health bodies.
In many locations, rental companies have a reception area where you’re likely to meet people. Employees may have to engage you in signing rental agreements and handing your keys to the car if you do not do it online. There’s no such thing as an ‘abundance of precaution’ when it comes to safety. If you’re going to rent a car soon, for personal trips or your family, here are tips on staying safe.
- You may consider doing another round of sanitization of your own. Wipe all surfaces with EPA approved disinfectants and sanitizers.
- Always park the car by yourself. Avoid using valet services to reduce contact.
- Since surfaces are liable to get contaminated again, use gloves when touching them, and ensure proper disposal.
- Stay prepared, always carry your items with you.
- Let the windows stay down so that fresh air can circulate throughout the vehicle. Ventilation is good for your interior space. Also, the new supply carries airborne particles away from the car.
- If you have used a rental service and you want to make another purchase, read through their policy again. As a result of the Pandemic, many companies are changing their policies. Mostly to help cushion the effect on customers. Their change in policy may be to your advantage.
- Do your bookings online to avoid exchange of money through physical contact.
Why car rentals are presently a good option
The World is experiencing a shift in paradigm. While people are striving for essentials like food, health care, and shelter. It would be almost impossible to have access to any of these without movement. That’s why a car rental subscription may suffice. No matter where you live, car and bus rentals have been a mutually beneficial deal for both the parties. People rent out cars and buses for different purposes. For example, you might be interested in renting your Palm Bay bus for parties or you might be interested in renting your limousine to a bunch of college graduates celebrating their graduation in style .
A sharp hike in the price of goods and services is inevitable. Majorly because of the current restrictions – and downturn in the Economy. However, as a result of the Pandemic, rental companies are incorporating new services. With the new options, you’re safer and move around faster. Some of these services are:
The warning against touching surfaces rings in the hearts of safety loving individuals. Hence, the need for the Keyless feature in car renting. Physical contact with keys is minimal since the introduction of IoT (internet of things). The keyless system is an innovative self-care service for customers. Furthermore, the industry is set for an opening to real-time sanitization videos to ensure customer satisfaction. Again, many businesses can learn to respond better by adopting different strategies.
- Reevaluation of booking methods
At the moment, people will rather stay home than go out. When they eventually make it out, it is for unavoidable reasons. Like so, online interaction and transactions have gradually become the order of things. With the aid of the necessary online tools, people can make their bookings without going to the provider’s office. Again, payments are made via online platforms too.
Conclusion
Buying a car even without the Pandemic is a huge commitment. As a result of a change in rates and timing, rentals are a flexible option. Certain contracts can be transferred from one person to another without a severe financial penalty.
Also, firms have payment of small upfront fees to initiate contracts, thus helping you stay within your budget. Rental is based majorly on the present market value of cars, so if the value increases or decreases, it’s not your problem.
